The intent of that statement was to prevent the case of deliberate colour manipulation in PP to create something black that wasn't originally. E.g. you can't photograph a red apple, and make it a black apple in photoshop.

My original intent was that a subject look black normally. A silhouette is in a grey area (bad pun intended). Darkness is not synonymous with black. The guidance I will give would be that if it appears black (or near black) looking at the point of interest with the unaided eye, it's ok.

I don't want to get over analytical on what is or isn't allowed even if I set the theme. I think the original definition is open enough to allow significant creative freedom, and at the end of the day the final decision depends on how people interpret that and vote on submissions.

Say, I was thinking how this theme may go very well with Halloween (31 Oct). Anyone else second the idea for an additional-day deadline in case we capture some spooky images late Halloween? What do you say popo?

A silhouette is in a grey area (bad pun intended). Darkness is not synonymous with black. The guidance I will give would be that if it appears black (or near black) looking at the point of interest with the unaided eye, it's ok.

Hi MrKman, I'm afraid the deadline has to remain midnight 31st October GMT, which is actually during the day of the 31st in the US. Anyone East of the meridian will have more time - in fact anyone in NZ has until 12 noon on 1st November to submit a photo becaase we're 12 hours ahead!